The Rhodesian Light Infantry Regimental Association

South African Branch Newsletter
August 2008




Introduction

At the 2nd AGM held on August 2nd 2008 those present agreed that we need to improve the communications between the members with a view to holding more frequent, less formal events.
The monthly branch newsletter intends keeping you informed on events, new registrations, employment offered, employment required, vale and matters of common interest.

Regional News

JHB

Just short of 50 people attended the 2nd AGM which was held in JHB. Click here to view the minutes which you will find on the website.
A monthly prayer meeting will take place in JHB starting Friday the 19th September (travel commitments prevent us starting earlier) The 1st prayer meeting will take place at the E2 premises – 203 Beyers Naude Drive – Northcliff – 1600 hours – till approximately 1900 hrs. Beer and wine will be provided – with patrons requested to make a donation to the Troopie rededication Fund.

Cape Town

John van Zyl writes “We had a good RLI gathering in CT attended by 4 RLI oens (Sandy Miller, Dennis Croukamp, Ian 'Plug' Downing, myself and Mark Blagus) , 1 SAS ('Stan' Standish-White) and 1 blue job (7 Sqn pilate - I think his name was Bill Claxton). Quite a few guys were AWOL (apologies from Trevor DesFountain, John Norman & Barney Bentley). However it was a good start.

The local (SA) blue jobs have offered us a corner of their mess in Wynn Street, Goodwood, and we'll be having a monthly social gathering on the first Friday of every month starting September. So we'll have a place to call home and hang our mementos).

Troopie Rededication

A few disgruntled members of the OZ branch tried to disrupt the Troopie rededication by distributing mistruths to RLI and non RLI members with regards to the project.

At first the exco refused to contribute to the debate – however as the malicious e-mails spread around the world – we reluctantly issued a statement – which you can find on the website by clicking here.

The SA Branch of the RLI donated ONE THOUSAND POUNDS to the Troopie rededication. Moneys were received from the sale of raffle tickets and donations – directly into our bank account.

RLI Patron

Brigadier Essex Clerk tendered his resignation during the month as the Patron. Please watch this space for an announcement regarding the new Patron.

RLI SA Bank Account

Opening a bank account in SA (and for that matter worldwide) has become more onerous as a result of FICA. To overcome FICA requirements I opened a savings account linked to my business account – named as RLI RA – savings. This is a 32 day call account – as it attracts the max interest – with the minimum costs. The downside is that when depositing moneys into the account – u need to state E2 – RLI RA SAVINGS – account number - 9202735349 - branch number – 334705 – account type – call account .

After donating the one thousand pounds to the rededication – we still have R4500 in the account. A full list of donations will be distributed on a quarterly basis. We have not incurred any expenses – as such we receive donations and make donations.

New Members
17 new members registered on the website during the last month – taking the total membership to more than 610.

If you are trying to contact a member – please send surname and initials to me. I will search the database and forward info within 48 hours.

I have received mixed communications with regards to publishing a member’s address book on the website. Please drop me a line gd@e2.co.za if you are AGAINST publishing the address book.

International AGM

The 1st International AGM will take place in London on Saturday September 27th 2008, at 1430. As far as i know myself and Ron Reid Daily are the only members attending from South Africa. I need the following from as many of you as possible:

  1. Items that you wish me to raise on your behalf at the meeting. This information to be received no later than Friday September 12th – 2008. E-mail gd@e2.co.za
    2.  

  2. A signed Proxy so that i may vote on your behalf. I will forward a separate mail to everyone shortly.

Employment

I intend starting an employment section on the member’s only section of the website. This will include members looking for employment and employers looking for staff.

If you wish to be added to the employment section – send me an e-mail gd@e2.co.za with as much detail as possible. State if you wish me to circulate the employment details by e-mail to all SA members.

Marketing

I am of the belief that where possible we buy and sell services to each other – whenever possible. To get the ball rolling please send me a short write up on your business / or service (with logo’s) if available. I will publish the information on the SA section of the website. gd@e2.co.za

All Forces Bash

Please join us for a 'Bring and Braai and Sing Along'. It will be a great opportunity to see old friends and talk about the good old days. Just bring your meat and the Moth ladies will organize the salads, rolls and braai fires.

Please buy your drinks from the Moth bar – the prices are very low and they’ll value the support, so start warming your voice now.

DATE: 30 August 2008 - TIME: 12:00 for 13:00 - VENUE: Dickie Fritz Moth Club, 115 Dickie Fritz Avenue,
off Elm Street Edenvale - COST: R50 per adult and R20 per child to cover cost of salad, rolls and charcoal.
RSVP: CAROL DOUGHTY - 0735235987 by 28 August 2008.

General

I look forward to improving the news letter in months to come – All suggestions are welcome. Please provide me with any information that may be of interest to the members.

Kind Regards
George Dempster
gd@e2.co.za 
011 - 340 9007
083 2844 957